The position is located within the Climate Technology Innovation Unit under UNIDO’s Division of Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol.
The Unit supports Member States in fostering innovation across technologies, finance, policy and regulation to promote low-carbon and climate adaptation solutions.
Project Context
The consultant will support the Programme for Innovation in Climate Adaptation and Resilience-Building Solutions (PARS) – Global Coordination Child Project .
PARS is a Global Environment Facility-funded initiative led by UNIDO in collaboration with international and local partners.
It aims to catalyse climate adaptation in Least Developed Countries by strengthening institutional, financial and innovation ecosystems and accelerating private-sector-led climate adaptation and resilience solutions.
The programme includes National Child Projects in Malawi, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Somalia, Madagascar and Angola .
Job Summary
- Employer: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: International Consultant
- Closing Date: 2026-10-22
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing PARS communication protocols and information-flow arrangements.
- Developing branding and communication resources, including presentation, document, event and social-media templates.
- Organising and maintaining the PARS communications folder and content repository.
- Preparing the PARS master presentation deck.
- Supporting development of the PARS Knowledge Management, Communication and Advocacy Action Plan.
- Developing and updating the PARS communication strategy and calendar of key events.
- Preparing communication, visibility, branding and marketing sections of the PARS Internal Guidelines.
- Developing practical communication guidance, templates, checklists and workflows.
- Preparing communication materials for virtual training sessions, webinars and other dissemination activities.
- Producing presentations, practical guides, case studies and participant-facing materials.
- Preparing stakeholder briefs, key messages and user-friendly communication products.
- Supporting communications, outreach and visibility for PARS events.
- Preparing media pitches, strategic articles and media engagement materials.
- Researching international, regional and specialised media and publication opportunities.
- Preparing and curating digital communication and knowledge content for the PARS Web Platform.
- Coordinating communication inputs with the webmaster, institutional contractor and relevant National Child Project teams.
Requirements
- Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in: Communication; Journalism; Public Relations; International Relations; or another relevant discipline.
- Candidates must have at least three years of practical experience in public relations, communications and the production of diverse marketing and communication materials across broadcast and online media.
- Applicants must also have experience in: Tailoring key messages to different target audiences; Preparing clear and audience-appropriate communication and knowledge products; Developing web content, presentations, outreach materials and event communications; Coordinating communication activities involving multiple stakeholders, including project teams, government counterparts, partners, MSMEs and other external audiences.
- Experience contributing to communication and visibility strategies, knowledge-management plans, advocacy approaches or dissemination campaigns is highly desirable.
- Experience relating to sustainable development, climate innovation, climate adaptation, private-sector development, MSMEs, vulnerable groups and technical cooperation projects is also desirable.
- Knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, Final Cut Pro and website editing software is desirable.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.
- Fluency or working knowledge of another official UN language or another language, particularly Portuguese , is desirable.
How to Apply
REF Code: 8157
About the Company
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) operates in Zimbabwe as a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development. In Zimbabwe, UNIDO works to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, promote green industrial practices, and support economic recovery through technical assistance and capacity-building programs. The organization collaborates with government ministries, private sector partners, and development stakeholders to foster job creation, enhance industrial competitiveness, and integrate Zimbabwean industries into regional and global value chains. UNIDO's presence in Zimbabwe includes initiatives targeting agro-industrial processing, renewable energy adoption, and the development of small and medium enterprises to drive sustainable economic growth.
Promoting industrial development for prosperity and sustainability
Website: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Communications Administrator role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Environmental Studies. A Master's degree or specialized certification in climate change communication or project management is often preferred for UN and international organization roles. Practical experience with digital media tools and data visualization software is increasingly valued.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Communications Administrator focused on climate adaptation?
Daily tasks include drafting press releases and reports, managing social media channels, coordinating stakeholder workshops, and documenting project outcomes. You will likely liaise with government ministries, NGOs, and rural communities to amplify climate adaptation success stories. Field visits to project sites across Zimbabwe are common, requiring flexibility and reliable transport arrangements.
How does local work culture in Zimbabwe affect expectations for international consultants?
Zimbabwean professional culture values formal respect for hierarchy and patient relationship-building before business discussions. Punctuality is appreciated, though flexibility is often necessary due to infrastructure challenges like power outages and fuel shortages. Demonstrating cultural sensitivity and basic Shona or Ndebele greetings can significantly strengthen workplace relationships.
What career progression paths exist for communications professionals in climate and development sectors in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Communications Manager, Regional Advocacy Coordinator, or Climate Policy Advisor roles within UN agencies or international NGOs. Many professionals transition into freelance consultancy or establish communications firms serving the development sector. Further specialization in grant writing or monitoring and evaluation opens additional pathways.
What benefits should I expect as an international consultant on a UNIDO contract in Zimbabwe?
UN contracts typically include medical insurance coverage, paid annual leave, and pension contributions through the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund. Consultants may receive daily subsistence allowances for field travel and coverage for work-related transportation costs. Specific entitlements vary by contract type, so review your terms of reference carefully before signing.
How should I apply for this role and what do UN employers in Zimbabwe prioritize in applications?
Apply through the official UNIDO careers portal with a tailored CV highlighting climate adaptation experience and measurable communication outcomes. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience working with government partners, multilingual abilities, and a portfolio showing successful campaigns in resource-constrained settings. Include references from previous international organization supervisors if possible.
